Challenging the precepts of family-centered care: testing a philosophy

Family-centered care (FCC) is a model of patient care delivery that encourages the inclusion of the family in the planning and provision of care. Although this model has been discussed extensively in the literature and adopted by some institutions, it is one that many have difficulty implementing. The purpose of this study was to test the elements of a FCC philosophy developed for maternal/child units at a major medical center. Questionnaires developed for this study and translated into four languages were completed by 193 parent/patient participants. The questionnaire asked participants to rate the importance of FCC interventions and report which interventions had been provided. Most of the participants were Caucasian, married, female, had an annual income of $20,000 or less, had 12 or fewer years of education, and were younger than 40 years of age. Overall, "feeling welcome when I come to the hospital" was the highest rated item by parents of hospitalized neonates and children and perinatal patients. Findings from this study will be used to implement a FCC care philosophy.